Mets catcher Ronny Paulino slated to play at least one more rehab game before returning

William Perlman/Star-LedgerAt some point, former Marlin Ronny Paulino will wear a Mets uniform in a major-league game.

Do not expect backup catcher Ronny Paulino to rejoin the major-league club on Tuesday, when his stint on the disabled list ends. He is close to returning, but still needs another day to test his left oblique, which he injured during a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Buffalo.

Paulino is scheduled to play for the Bisons once more, the Mets said via email. He caught an entire game today. His arrival in the majors would end a horrific beginning to this season: Visa troubles caused him to miss the first month of spring training. A blood disease which general manager Sandy Alderson said resembled anemia landed him on the disabled list. Then, as he neared a return date, his oblique began barking.

He would likely displace Mike Nickeas on the roster. The Mets could use help behind the plate. Starter Josh Thole is caught in a nasty slump, with a .226 batting average, two extra-base hits and a .527 OPS.